REFLECTION

Gospel

And there shall be signs in the sun, and in the moon, and in the stars; and upon the earth distress of nations, by reason of the confusion of the roaring of the sea and of the waves; Men withering away for fear, and expectation of what shall come upon the whole world. For the powers of heaven shall be moved; And then they shall see the Son of man coming in a cloud, with great power and majesty. But when these things begin to come to pass, look up, and lift up your heads, because your redemption is at hand. And take heed to yourselves, lest perhaps your hearts be overcharged with surfeiting and drunkenness, and the cares of this life, and that day come upon you suddenly. For as a snare shall it come upon all that sit upon the face of the whole earth. Watch ye, therefore, praying at all times, that you may be accounted worthy to escape all these things that are to come, and to stand before the Son of man.

Luke 21: 25-28, 34-36

Reflection

"Stay awake, praying at all times...and be ready to stand before the Son of Man." Jesus warned His disciples to stay alert and be ready for His return. Jesus is telling us to be ready to stand before Him and be prepared. 

Jesus is not using this reflection as a scare tactic or an alert to promote fear. Rather, He is telling us to live in hope, not fear, for that final day we sit before Him. Jesus wants us to be ready at all times to be prepared to one day join Him in His kingdom. Remember, Jesus is always near through all our struggles and through all our joys. He is also there through all our sins, hoping that we seek forgiveness. It is through prayer that we will find Him. It is through prayer that we will be ready for His return.​​